The Buzz: Vincent and Prasino

Two spots to check out

By Denise Peñacerrada

Published Nov. 9, 2010

In September, the La Tache space in Andersonville morphed from French bistro to Amsterdam dining hall in the form of Vincent. But if you’re picturing an über-rowdy room filled with burly men singing and clinking hunky beer steins, you’re way off. Joncarl Lachman, the chef/owner—and the man behind Lake View’s popular HB Home Bistro—promises “easy sophistication.” This apparently means a classic bistro menu with Dutch flair, focusing on seafood—Prince Edward Island moules frites prepared five ways—and rijsttafel, a traditional feast of various shared plates with rice. Cocktails are also infused with Dutch influences, thanks to a gin list highlighted by jenever martinis. 1475 W. Balmoral Ave.; 773-334-7168.

Prasino is poised to open a second all-organic outpost in downtown St. Charles with a chef lineup from venerable restaurants: The sous-chef, Rob Dudek, is from Tru, and the executive pastry chef, Todd Feitl, is a five-year veteran of Vie in Western Springs. Scott Halverson, the exec chef and Texas native, makes his mark in Chicago with signature selections such as a Southwest black bean burger and the playfully named Crab Cake Benny—blue crab cakes served with poached eggs and hollandaise over an English muffin. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly options on the wide-ranging menu and an organic espresso/smoothie/juice bar, Prasino sounds like a poster child for trend du jour dining. 51 S. First Street, St. Charles; 630-908-5200.